2012 Nissan Leaf To Re-Attempt Reversing World Record At Goodwood

Because electric cars are generally powered by an electric motor via a single gear reduction gearbox, they can theoretically move as quickly backwards as they can forwards.

It’s no surprise then that as part of the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed due to take place this week, Nissan says its Leaf electric car will set a new world record for traveling one mile in reverse.

Enter British stunt driver Terry Grant, better known for his parking-brake parallel parks, and a specially-prepared stunt Leaf.

On road-legal Leafs, Nissan software prevents the driver from going too quickly in reverse. Nissan has prepared Grant’s Leaf without the software restriction, enabling him to theoretically hit the Leaf’s top speed of 93 mph while driving backwards.